Despite securing a Coppa Italia trophy and a dramatic Top 4 finish in the final week of the campaign, Juventus fans will always remember 2020-21 as the season that spelled the end of their club’s longest winning dynasty. Andrea Pirlo’s first managerial year was undoubtedly a tough one, but the Old Lady managed to dodge a bullet by the end of it, as failing to qualify for next season’s edition of the Champions League would have created some disastrous consequences.
Whilst some players disappointed, others managed to deliver the goods, and save face. So let’s take a look at the Tops and Flops of Juve’s season:
Flop #3 – Rodrigo Bentancur
After the departures of Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi (and later Sami Khedira), the Uruguayan was supposed to be the new stalwart in midfield.
However, the development of the former Boca Juniors man suddenly stalled, and his campaign was marred by some catastrophic mistakes – including a terrible back-pass against Porto that contributed in the team’s elimination from the Champions League, and a red card during the decisive clash against Inter.
Let’s see if Massimiliano Allegri’s return to Juventus can reignite his career.
Atlético Madrid are not interested in signing Bentancur from Juventus, no contacts – he’s not even a target, impossible. No chance also for Lucas Torreira to stay at Atléti: he’s leaving, #AFC will decide his future. Moussa Dembelé also leaving the club. ? #Atleti @MatteMoretto
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2021
Top #3 – Federico Chiesa
A spectacular season for the former Fiorentina man, who hit the ground running in his first campaign in Turin.
His great performances against Milan and Porto, as well as his winner against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final were some of the highlights of the season for the club.
? May 19th
⚽️ Federico Chiesa scores the winning goal in the Coppa Italia final
? May 23rd
⚽️ Federico Chiesa fires Juventus ahead at Bologna in a game they need to win pic.twitter.com/0uRcNu4Fpn
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 23, 2021
Flop #2 – Merih Demiral
The Turkey international started last season on a high note before suffering from a serious injury. But this campaign has proven to be a different story.
Whilst the former Sassuolo man featured at times, he was nowhere to be seen in the starting formation when Giorgio Chilellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt were available to play.
Although the young defender’s abilities shouldn’t be doubted, he needs to put it all together sooner rather than later.
Info @GiovaAlbanese : Merih Demiral tend to leave, the player has valuation of €30m. Arthur won't leave. ??⚫ #JFC
— Max Statman (@emaxstatman) May 26, 2021
Top #2 – Cristiano Ronaldo
Statistically speaking, the Portuguese superstar should be arguably picked for the 1st spot, having finished the season as the Serie A top scorer in a rather comfortable fashion.
Nonetheless, the 36-year-old loses some points for some under-par performances at crucial times of the season, including the double-encounter against Porto.
Only one player in history has finished as top scorer in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
Cristiano Ronaldo ? pic.twitter.com/RDEoael3iA
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 23, 2021
Flop #1 – Arthur
A little harsh perhaps, considering the fact that this was his first season at Juventus, but the Brazilian is our choice for the main “Flop” based on the high expectations that were laid upon him.
The former Barcelona man possesses some incredible on-the-ball abilities, and his passing rate success is impressive as well, but he just failed to capitalize on his abilities in the service of the team.
His second season must be better than this one.
PSG Mercato: Italian Media Outlet Speculates Whether Juventus Wants to Offer Arthur in Potential Transfer for Mauro Icardi https://t.co/BVsG45m0U6
— PSG Talk ? (@PSGTalk) May 24, 2021
Top #1 – Juan Cuadrado
All hail the king of the assists! The Colombian provided 19 assists for his teammates throughout the season, including 11 in Serie A and 6 in the Champions League.
Moreover, a Top 4 finish wouldn’t have been made possible if it wasn’t for his wonderful performance when facing Inter in the penultimate round of the season.
The 33-year-old enjoyed what might have been the best campaign on a personal level, and he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Juan Cuadrado stats for Juve
?222
⚽️19
?54????? Scudetto
????CoppaItalia
??SuperCoppaHappy 33rd Birthday Panita ? pic.twitter.com/wzXxcnrIeV
— Max Statman (@emaxstatman) May 25, 2021